MPs banned from investigating Ugandan torture houses

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UGANDAN MPs were prevented from investigating allegations that state security forces have been torturing detainees today having been denied access to alleged “torture houses.”

Unmarked facilities, which look like ordinary houses but are guarded heavily by soldiers, are where some of the torture is said to have taken place, close to the capital Kampala.

Local residents have said they fear to go near the buildings.

MPs from the parliament’s human rights committee attempted to visit the sites after hearing testimonies from several people who said they were picked up, taken to the buildings, tortured and dumped at police stations.

One of those claiming mistreatment, Muslim cleric Ismail Kalule, said he was taken to the unmarked buildings on four occasions and was ordered to pluck out his beard hair by hair.

Mr Kalule said he was “slapped a lot” when he failed to do so.

Independent MP Latif Ssebagala called the actions of security personnel at the houses denying them entry “deeply suspicious.”

The Ugandan government confirmed the presence of unmarked security facilities, but claim they are only used to carry out intelligence operations.